Youngsters see 65 per cent rise in liver diseases

Hyderabad: Deaths caused by liver diseases have jumped by 65 per cent in the age group of 25 and 34 years due to alcohol, according to data studied from 1999 to 2016 and published in the British Medical Journal. 

The jump was recorded by 65 per cent and the end stage liver damage was mainly due to alcohol, according to the researchers. The incident of liver failures have increased by 10.5 per cent and alcohol linked liver diseases have seen an upsurge.

Dr Madhusudhan, senior liver specialist at Osmania General Hospital explained, “The end stage liver cases in alcoholics is a major challenge in treatment and also costs are very high. Sedentary lifestyle and alcohol consumption are proving to be a lethal combination and that too is increasing the incidence of liver failures in India.”

In India, an estimated 10 lakh new cases of liver problems are diagnosed every year. The burden of the liver disease is very high and it is estimated that nearly 25 crore people are suffering from liver problems.  Rough estimates show that 62.5 million people indulge in one drink occasionally in India. 

Government and private hospitals have more than 50 per cent patients coming with liver problems due to alcohol and remaining are due to non-alcoholic fatty liver problems. The other factors like obesity and hepatitis also play a major role in end stage liver failure. Detection of Hepatitis C, continues to be a challenge and many patients do not make it to the hospital on time. 

Dr I. Srivenu, senior gastroenterologist, said, “Those who come for routine blood test are picked up early. They are then put on a strict diet and completely off alcohol. There is a chance of reversal then.”